A POLICE operation aimed at combating antisocial behaviour during school half-term has been hailed a success.

Operation Serene, a West Midlands force-wide scheme, aims to reduce crime, keep people safe and reassure residents throughout the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, which traditionally brings an annual rise in nuisance youths targeting the elderly and the vulnerable.

The operation has included increased police patrols in the south of the city, greater use of CCTV cameras and visits to schools to speak to youngsters.

So far, the operation has been credited with a 30 per cent reduction in antisocial behaviour during the half-term break.

Detective Chief Inspector Bas Javid, of Chace Avenue police station in Coventry, said: "The figures so far are fantastic but this is just the first stage of Operation Serene and we're now focusing all our attention on ensuring that Halloween and Bonfire Night pass off peacefully."